Leica Elpro-D E69

[hbldds]

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I recently acquired the Elpro-D E69 for the Digilux 2. It did not come with any instructions. What settings, focus, etc. do I use? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[pop]

You use your camera the same as always, except that you take pictures of things that are closer to the camera.

 

Leica Elpro-D E69 for the Digilux 2 digital camera

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[hbldds]

Phillip,

 

Thank you for the information. One other question: should I remove the UV protect filter prior to screwing on the Elpro lens. Thanks again.

[pop]

Yes, I think you should remove it. Every glass surface in front of the lens is bound to deteriorate the image and may make itself felt by reduced contrast or flare, or both. Put your UV filter into the box the close-up lens came in.

[calshot]

I have the instruction booklet.

"Important"

To prevent vignetting when using the ELPRO E69 neither the lens hood nor an aditional filter should be attached.

In the lens wide angle position a certain amount of vignetting is unavoidable due to the ELPRO E69's mount.

 

Does that help. The leaflet then gives Distance setting ranges etc. Also how to care for it.

 

 

Robin

[hbldds]

Robin,

 

Can the instructions be downloaded anywhere. Thanks.

[calshot]

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Not that I am aware of.

The instruction manual is a small item 9cm x 9cm and in 6 languages.So it hasn't much content only 28 pages.(4 in English) Your not missing much by not having one unless they add thousand of pounds to the resale value of the Elpro.

 

The only other usfull info is this:-

 

Distance setting range 0.15 -0.35 m from front edge of Elpro

 

Object field 28mm 16 x 21cm

36mm 13 x 17cm

50mm 10 x 13cm

70mm 7.5 x 10cm

90mm 6 x 8cm

Then a depth of field table. If you really need that as well then ask.

I just stick it on camera and use can't be bothered with all that other stuff.

 

Robin

[hbldds]

Robin,

 

Thank you very much for all your help. I appreciate it. Harris

[wda]

I don't think I can screw the Elpro-D straight onto the UV filter. No thread!

 

In practice, you don't need theoretical distance tables. You discover the limits easily in use. It is a fine attachment, expensive but well made. I like the results which help to show the excellent results possible with a super lens and a modest 5mp sensor.

[jrethorst]

The Panasonic equivalent is just as good, still in production, and much less money.

[elgenper]

The Panasonic equivalent is just as good, still in production, and much less money.

 

No, it isn´t "just as good" at all, but for some uses it might be "good enough".

 

The Elpro is a true achromat (2 components cemented together), while the Panasonic one is a single lens. Because of that, the Panasonic one is physically much thinner than the Elpro, so it is easy to see they´re not the same.

[jrethorst]

I didn't say they were the same. On his Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Sites, Thorsten says the: "Panasonic DMW-LC69 may do as well but is no way the same lens." IIRC the Elpro allows focus to 15cm while the Panasonic is 16cm. But as far as I can see there's no disadvantage in optical quality to the Panasonic, and it's still available new for US$67 at Video Direct (I'm not affiliated).

[John Thawley]

The Panasonic equivalent is just as good, still in production, and much less money.

 

Sorry... wrong.

[elgenper]

If you want to use an achromat (and, believe me, there IS a difference!), one way is to get a Canon 250 D with 58 mm screw thread (the biggest diameter for the 250 D; the 500 D isn´t strong enough to make sense here).

 

A company called Lensmate used to make a step-down ring from 69 to 58 for this very purpose, and it worked well. It did vignette below about 50 mm (equivalent) focal lenght on the Digilux 2, but above that it was OK.

 

Now, that ring isn´t on Lensmate´s web site any more, but they can be contacted and quite possibly make a new, small batch if there´s interest enough. They´re a small and very service-minded company.

[jrethorst]

Sorry... wrong.

 

Then why does Thorsten say it may do as well? Have you tried one? I've taken pictures with it and with the unaided D2, and do not see a reduction in picture quality (highest quality jpg) with the lens. I'd like to see comparison shots between the Pana and Elpro but, if there's no loss in quality with the Pana, there's then no room for pix with the Elpro to be better, unless it adds somehow to what the D2 does by itself.

[John Thawley]

Then why does Thorsten say it may do as well?

 

You would have to ask Thorsten. And perhaps consider his caveat using the word "may."

 

I've taken pictures with it and with the unaided D2, and do not see a reduction in picture quality (highest quality jpg) with the lens.

 

There can be a multitude of reasons determining what you see and what you don't see... including your final viewing media... monitor, print, enlargement etc.

 

Any add-on piece of glass will "change" the image. PERIOD. To expect improvements to image quality would be extremely naive. That said, one should take the most cautionary steps and strive to minimize image degradation.

 

Personally, I'm not a pixel peeper... but what you will see degrade to varying degrees is edges and the smoothness of out-of-focus areas and the circle of confusion. The edges can be subject to fringing... (purple) ... especially as you move away from the areas with the most (focus) sharpness and the image center.

 

Now... to be fair... if you don't see it, then you are correct, it doesn't matter. But if you do, then it matters a lot.

 

This is no different than variables in lenses.... I won't buy a Sigma or any other non Canon lens for my Canon cameras. (Though I might consider a Zeiss.) In fact, I won't buy anything other than Canon L Series glass. Why? Because I feel there are differences. Those differences may be performance, reliability, color, sharpness... even user experience... regardless, they matter (to me).

 

The Leica Elpro-D E69 is not a filter. It's an incredible piece of glass. To hold it in your hand is truly stunning.

 

By the same token, I find the Panasonic DMC LC1 switch layout and black body color far nicer than the Leica. Though I prefer the Leica retro shape sans the faux grip. Yet the Panasonic wide angle attachment strikes me as totally hideous. LOL - So there you have it.

 

This is a camera that is often discussed for its ability to creep into our psyche ... and subtly capture our allegiance to its feel, performance and image quality. I know you are well aware there are those who "get it"... and those who don't.

 

So, even if I were to concede that the difference between the Leica Elpro-D E69 and Panasonic's close-up filter is all in my head, to me it's worth it. To others, maybe not. That doesn't alter my recommendation. I owe people the truth.

 

So, that's why I'm comfortable in stating, "there's a difference."

 

JT

[jrethorst]

I agree that any additional piece of glass will change the image; what I'm looking for is macro ability with minimal degradation. I also share your appreciation of Leica products, but holding the Elpro in your hands being truly stunning doesn't IMHO make up for substantially equal optical quality at a fraction of the price. I love both my D2s, but can't afford an Elpro for the amount of macro work I do. So I wondered how much the Lumix macro glass changes an image. Attached were taken with the plain D2 (with a Leica UV filter) on the left, and with the Lumix macro on the right.

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[John Thawley]

I agree that any additional piece of glass will change the image; what I'm looking for is macro ability with minimal degradation. I also share your appreciation of Leica products, but holding the Elpro in your hands being truly stunning doesn't IMHO make up for substantially equal optical quality at a fraction of the price. I love both my D2s, but can't afford an Elpro for the amount of macro work I do. So I wondered how much the Lumix macro glass changes an image. Attached were taken with the plain D2 (with a Leica UV filter) on the left, and with the Lumix macro on the right.

 

A more accurate comparison would have been no UV filter vs. the close up filter. Just to qualify the add or no-add ....

 

Regardless, I don't know how this factors into the original question. Unless you are under the impression the Leica UV and the ELPRO are somehow similar in construction. In case that is the fact (and please don't be offended if I'm wrong... not my intention) you should know that the ELPRO is more lens than filter. It's incredibly thick and weighs quite a bit. It's really inaccurate to describe it as a close-up filter.

 

I do see differences in your image... good and bad in both examples. The left image has smeared in the center, while the right is more defined. However the right image also has fringing (green) on the outer petals... in addition the colors seems deeper ... especially the background and the out-of-focus areas seem stronger too... though that might be a good or desired thing.

 

Again though.... I'm not sure why we're comparing a UV filter and a close-up filter.

 

Lastly,

holding the Elpro in your hands being truly stunning doesn't IMHO make up for substantially equal optical quality at a fraction of the price.

 

Is not a valid argument or position. Equal is equal... it can't be "substantially" equal. That makes no sense. Certainly you're entitled to feel the IMAGE quality is equal. But it would require some form of measurement to establish the OPTICAL quality. I realize it serves your argument to use terms like "a fraction of the price"... and while there is a substantial difference... "a fraction" implies that the difference is far greater.

 

I'm not trying to picky and mince words.... but I can't help but notice your choice of words tend to illuminate your bias. I'm not sure why you feel the need to do that. Your decision is working for you and that's great. But I still feel that it is wrong of you to flatly state, "there is no difference."

 

Even though a Timex and a Rolex both tell time... I assure you, there's a difference.

 

We all make choices for our own reasons. You seem intent on making others believe that anyone who disagrees with you is somehow foolish. That's not the case. I fully understand your not wanting to invest in something you're not going to use that often. It absolutely makes sense. Your choice is justified and valid.... and that's great... FOR YOU.

 

For what it's worth, you might want to review the gallery with this image (not mine).

 

 

Panasonic LC1 with Leica Elpro-D E69, close ups. Photo Gallery by ray dolman at pbase.com

 

I find them to be pretty impressive....

 

JT

[carlosecpf]

The Leica Elpro-D E69 is not a filter. It's an incredible piece of glass. To hold it in your hand is truly stunning.

 

I have both the Elpro and the Panasonic and agree with John T. here... it is an amazing piece of glass! However I can't see significant difference between the 2 in terms of IQ, focusing distance etc. But Again, I agree with John. It is not because I can't see it, means that there is no difference! It is worth saying that I never did extensive comparison testing between them... just a couple of shots.

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[jaapv]

If you want to use an achromat (and, believe me, there IS a difference!), one way is to get a Canon 250 D with 58 mm screw thread (the biggest diameter for the 250 D; the 500 D isn´t strong enough to make sense here).

 

A company called Lensmate used to make a step-down ring from 69 to 58 for this very purpose, and it worked well. It did vignette below about 50 mm (equivalent) focal lenght on the Digilux 2, but above that it was OK.

 

Now, that ring isn´t on Lensmate´s web site any more, but they can be contacted and quite possibly make a new, small batch if there´s interest enough. They´re a small and very service-minded company.

I used the 500D and it worked excellently. The 250 D is 52 mm, so it vignettes, the 500D is 77 mm so it is more suited.